According to the National Christmas Tree Growers Association, buying a natural, farm-grown Christmas tree is a traditional custom for up to 30 million American families who celebrate the holidays with the fragrance and beauty of locally-raised, farm-grown Christmas trees. Today, the majority of Christmas trees are plantation-grown. There are an estimated 350 million Christmas trees growing nationwide.
There are approximately 250 Christmas tree farms in New Hampshire – ranging from those who wholesale 10,000 or more trees per year to those who sell a few dozen from their backyard as cut your own. The most popular species in New Hampshire are Balsam and Fraser Fir with newcomer Canaan Fir gaining popularity.
The wholesale value of Christmas trees sold from NH is $10-15 million. Add the value of retail sales and cut-your-own sales. Now factor-in sales of wreaths, centerpieces and other balsam decor.
Farm-raised trees are a renewable, recyclable resource compared to artificial trees which contain non-biodegradable plastics, paints and metal toxins including lead. And while real Christmas Trees grow in all 50 states and Canada, 80% of artificial trees sold worldwide are manufactured in China according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
Even after the holidays, farm-raised trees remain the best choice as they are recyclable in most communities. Local Christmas tree farms are a vital part of New Hampshire’s rural landscape. Purchasing a farm-raised tree from a retailer or visiting a local cut-your-own tree farm remains a traditional holiday ritual which is good for both the local economy and the environment!
